I grew up in LA. My brother and I used to put transistor radios under our pillows at bedtime so we could listen to Vinny call a game as we went to sleep. If you were lucky enough to see a game live at Dodger Stadium in the 60's, you were also treated to Vinny calling the game. How did that happen? Dodger Stadium held 55,000. 40,000 brought radios into the stadium to have the live game and the Scully voice of the Dodgers at the same time. God.....he was the best. Simply the best. Thanks Vin......you will live forever.
Me too. I was a senior in high school in Van Nuys, CA at the time and remember some of my teammates talking about the game the day after in the locker room before we went out for football practice. The whole city was buzzing bc the Dodgers really had a magical season up to that point but not too many people thought they could beat Oakland with Conseco, McGwire, both Henderson's and their pitching staff. What got lost was the Dodgers had and incredible pitching staff themselves, led by Oral Hershiser, that literally shut other offenses down. The Dodgers eventually went on to win one of the most improbable WS. The Kirk Gibson HR set the stage for one of the best underdog stories in sports history!
@@cjackson9627Thanks brother. I’m older than you and graduated from Birmingham. In elementary school we all listened to Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett. We lived Dod-yers as Vinnie used to say. Now look at what the Dodgers are doing with their promoting a demonic sexual group. Not even fit for family anymore.
Me too. Since 1975. And I still use a transistor radio to listen to games. Every game I can. And usually only games where they start early and I am at work do I not. And that's because the walls are so thick the signal is bad. Nowadays I have the luxury of watching all televised games but I use transistor also. Especially on national telecasts. Volume goes down on TV and radio goes up. With the time delay I hear the play before TV shows it. So if I'm not near the TV I can usually get there to see the visual. Not like in the 70's and 80's having to wait up to see if local news would show a few hi-lites. And I take my transistor to the games too. Getting harder to find them. Radio Shack had the best. I had 3 since 1977. They last. 😃 So many good memories. Go Dodgers!
I was there that night. My girlfriend's father had season tickets and we were in the left field bleacher seats. The crowds noise was so deafening it seemed liked it lasted for 20 minutes. I temporally lost my hearing for about a half hour. Nobody left, we all just stayed there for along time. It was absolutely one of the best moments of my life.
I wasn't there, but I watched it and it was one of the best moments of my lifetime as well. I'm not even that much of a baseball fan but I know greatness when I see it.
@Lindsey Hunt, SAME!! The day before one of the vendors for the company I worked for said they were going to comp us tickets before the end of the day, one of their employees would come by and drop them off. All day nobody shows up, we're waiting and waiting. 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 literally around 10 minutes to 5 when we'd be going home the guy walks in with the tickets. We were about halfway between third and the Dodgers bullpen in the middle section. I will never forget how loud it was and also all the cars in the parking lot that left early and the brake lights when it happened.
The brilliance of Vin Scully: Gibson hits the home run, and after Scully calls "It's gone!", he doesn't say another word for over an entire minute. He just lets the pictures and the roaring of the crowd to tell the story, and it is magical. Most announcers have no idea when to shut up. Thank you Vin, for my entire life of listening to the Dodgers, thank you.
@@rr44yd8 Scully is definitely the boss. He did the same when our Hank Aaron hit 715 and let us the fans enjoy the moment. What a national treasure he is.
Pat summerall calling nfc games was great at that. Staubach comes to the line. Drops back , co.plete to pearson at redskins 43. Huddle 20 seconds later hill split left peason right. Skins vs cowboys 70s at RFK were always fun.
Mr. Leete I am wondering if you are old enough to remember 60s and 70s when NBC had Saturdays Game of the Week. First 2 months was only one game. Then in june july august they would have doubleheaders. 69 went from 10 teams in each al and nl to 24 teams. Every team had a hall of fame pitcher or a topline #1 Starter. You could watch Seaver pitch vs Gibson in first game. Then Marichal vs Drysdale in game 2. Scully would do west coast unless Dodgers were in east playing. Many of those pitchers could go on 3 days rest. Most teams had a 4 man rotation. I remember 1 game that i cant recall if it was game of week. Fergie Jenkins of Cubs. Who won 20 games or more for 6 years in a row from 67 to 72. Pitch against Bob Gibson. Game took 1: 52. Thats pitching with rythme. Dont see that anymore.
You know what we all miss in this? At the 5:16 mark, as Gibson comes out of the dugout, Vin says "And look who's coming up" -- and then goes silent for a full 40 seconds to let the TV audience see and hear the crowd going nuts. Proof again that Vin was the absolute master.
When they broadcasted the '84 series at Tiger Stadium, when Detroit won it, close to the last out, he said he would be silent to hear the roar of the crowd.
68 seconds of "dead air" after "she is gone" call by Vin. Until he said "in a year..." But not dead air at all. A true magician who knew how to call the game and let people feel the game. No one needed to hear an announcer at that moment. Now, the announcers can't be quiet. Gonna miss Vin. He was a true artist and the best that ever was.
I will NEVER defend Joe Buck. His dad was good. Joe is average. Scott, thanks for not drawing a comparison between Joe Buck and Vin Scully. However, I have to give credit to Joe Buck. When the Cubs won Game 5 of the World Series, at least Joe Buck was quiet so the TV audience could hear "Go Cubs Go" after the game. I also can't totally fault Joe Buck for his non stop talking. In our "Instant Gratification" society, if there were 68 seconds of "dead air" now, people would be replacing batteries in their remotes, checking their twitter feeds, or complaining to their TV Provider that something was wrong. So, shame on all of us for not being able to sit quietly and enjoy the magic. The sport that takes away our troubles for a few hours. The thing that brings us all together.
Garagiola was the voice of my childhood on NBC, in the 60s when I played little league and youth football. I learned a lot from his calling baseball and football.
Was always a fringe baseball fan. But I would watch games he would call just to listen to him. There was something so professional, yet calming and common about his call. It just made me feel so good to be at the ol' ball game. RIP good sir!
@@mikesaccoia5748 Supposedly Hitler could lull an audience too. Sorry to ruin your childhood but this guy was racist and soon black people will own half the wealth in this country so can enjoy true equality and equity.
My mother, a long time Dodgers fan, died a month before this game. In her honor, I watched every game in the series. But this amazing HR had me on my feet, tears streaming down my face. "This one's fir you, Mom"!
@Lettermen, if you're going to quote him, need to get the quote exactly right. He was a master of every word: "In a year that was SO improbable, the IMPOSSIBLE has happened!" -- Scully was a master of the punctuation for every magical moment.
I still can't believe he hit that home run in that situation under that pressure with the state his body was in at the time. Magical is the only word that can describe it. Magical.
Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola: two of the best baseball broadcasters in my lifetime. I miss them both. Kirk Gibson's HR will go down as one of the greatest clutch performances in MLB history.
I grew up with Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reece . This was when CBS or NBC owned the Yankees. They were on the game the week It made this south Texas boy a Yankees fan. That was.the 50's and 60's !
My wife and I were at this game, actually we got up to leave,and were up by the food stands,and when they announced Gibson was coming to bat, the only thing you could see in the Dodger stadium parking lot were people hitting the break lights... Needless to say, nobody left Dodger stadium for over 3 hours after that home run. Was the greatest baseball experience I have ever had..
Mark Copfer Awesome! Thanks for sharing your story. I love hearing the experience of people who were there. I was only 3-5 miles away, but at 2 years old... I didn't experience much.
Awesome Everyone during this time know where they were when this happened at least if you lived in SoCal Dodgers had really No chance to Win the Power House of the Oakland A's that year I still remember this awesome moment in time --- I was just out of high school partying with my friends and watching the game not expecting much from the Dodgers and then for me the greatest moment in baseball history to me happened and then I thought at least they won one from the A's but then again the Dodgers won the World Series! Now I tell my kids about this greatest moment in Dodger history
Vin Scully showed his greatness once the ball cleared the fence. He was silent from 12:04 to 13:12 meaning 68 seconds. NO ONE let the moment "speak for itself" better than Vin. RIP to a legend
I was a serious A's fan at the time and I still get chills watching this momentous at bat by Kirk Gibson. Incredible coaching by Lasorda. To hear Vin Scully call it makes it even better.
Bottom of the 9th, 3-2 count, man on base, down by one run... An INJURED & SUFFERING batter hits a home run to win the game. What are we watching here, "The Natural"??!! This 19-minute post is AS GOOD as a MOVIE!!
This brings to mind Kurt Schilling's epic victory for Boston in their World Series. The photo taken of his ankle at the end of that game gave new meaning to "Boston Red Sox"!
you're probably referring 2 Game 6 2004 ALCS when his sock was seeped in blood yet he still pitched seven remarkable innings, 2 me 2004 ALCS was Boston's real world Series since they came back from a 3-0 deficient against the Yankees, may never ever happen again.
In the NBC introduction to Game 2, they ACTUALLY put in footage from THE NATURAL and mixed it with images from Kirk Gibson's epic homer, with that stirring music from the movie. AWESOME!
Gibson would later recount that prior to the Series, Dodger scout Mel Didier had provided a report on Eckersley which claimed that with a 3-2 count against a left-handed hitter, one could be absolutely certain that Eckersley would throw a backdoor slider. Gibson said that when the count reached 3-2, he stepped out of the batter's box and, in his mind, could hear Didier's voice reiterating that same piece of advice.With that thought in mind, Gibson stepped back into the batter's box and thus when Eckersley did in fact throw a backdoor slider, it was exactly the pitch Gibson was expecting...
Exactly, well said & Mel was my mentor . God Bless him & his wife Elena & family . A wonderful gentleman & respected baseball scout & inspiration to many baseball players & staff. He will never be forgotten, a life well lived . God Speed . We miss you dearly Mel . ⚾️🙏
@@ssbeebs More like inside info with this amount of information. Fixed might mean Eckersley knew, but that look of genuine surprise on his face seems like it was unexpected to him. After reading Brian Tuohy book "The Fix is In" I've always wondered about this moment, and have carefully observed the reactions of all involved, and everything looks so natural and unscripted. But who knows for certain.
Everything about the ninth inning was epic. The amazing thing about the swing was that it wasn’t all arms, it was all wrists, with zero lower body. An amazing athletic feat, a great ballplayer adjusting his body to what capability remained after all the injuries.
Amen, from a born & raised L.A. Dodger fan. Nobody did, does, or ever will do it better than Vin. He's enjoying perfect freedom in Heaven, calling the plays with all the greats that have gone before.😥
Made even more perfect by the amazing perfection of Scully and Garagiola to keep their mouths shut for over a minute. You think Joe Buck would have done that? ( from a Yankee fan)
I've had some rough times since 1988. I was in between first base and right field for this game and I was 17. Looking back, this was the highlight of my life. Not sure that speaks well about my life. But this was pure magic and I was there, which is weird being that it's the only postseason sporting event I ever attended. It was like ice cold electricity being pumped into your body. I'll never forget it.
It was so loud, you couldn't hear the person next to you. I was 10 rows up on the side of first base. With Mickey Hatcher's home run, earlier, I thought the Dodgers had the game until Conseco made his grand slam. Even then, the crowd was shouting out, "Steroids" at him. I was ready to pack up and get ready to leave until Gibson walked up to bat. I really thought the Dodgers would lose, but when Gibson made his run, I had to count to 10 to believe it. I was 13, and this was the last post season game I attended as well, and as far as I am concerned, it is the only game I needed to be in. I am very content about that! Peace!
My dad was there. Sadly he didnt see it. After Scosica popped up he started walking towards the parking lot. Was a few steps out of the exit when he hears the crowd. He said security actually let him back in
Thank you!! Yes, I agree it's a wonderful moment, especially growing up in Detroit and seeing "Gibby " (as George Kell called him!) help secure the Detroit Tigers World Series win in '84 with an awesome home run in the last game!!
Dennis Cassley So true! Even showing Davis getting on base added to the moment. I had actually forgotten what an amazing total at bat that was from Gibson and Scully is simply the greatest that will ever be. There is a great story Bob Costas tells in the Ken Burns Baseball doc about being in the clubhouse with Gibson while he is taking warm up cuts in the cage during Davis' at bat. Costas said when Lasorda called and asked if he could go, Gibson said something like "tell him I got one more good swing in me...."
Steve Goldschmidt Remembered the home run. Totally forgot how much drama was in that at bat! If this HR had been in a Game 7 it would be remembered as the most clutch HR of ALL TIME! Still incredible tho!
Dennis Cassley I am a Detroit fan too, and I was watching this game for Gibby like most Tiger fans. I was only about 9 years old at the time, but still was old enough to watch in '84. We loved us some Gibby and we did support our guys back then even after they left quite well. :) Was a different time then still. Free agents weren't' as common and you supported your guys for longer when they left. The World Series was a HUGE deal in America still back then on the level of the Super Bowl I think. Up until the strike and then the Roid scandals baseball playoffs were big time. The drama of the World Series can't be matched imo. If you understand baseball you love it. There is so much to it that you can smell it and feel it in the air. :)
I watched this live. I jumped up out of my chair and ran around howling in circles in my living room for at least a minute. One of the most iconic moments in sports history for me.
I watched it on TV too and went wild! But the next season I went to Dodger stadium and sat in the left field bleachers, Gibson's field. He happen to be slumping at the time, and some were booing him. But I applauded all the more after THIS moment. He appreciated it as he looked right at me and smiled, kind of a sad closed lip smile. After the greatest moment in dodger history the year before, how can you boo him?
GREAT ANNOUNCERS know when to BE QUIET!! After the HR, Vin & Joe are SILENT for a WHOLE MINUTE, letting the viewer take in & enjoy vicariously the "moment"!!
+snag66 Joe Buck would've had some rehearsed call that would've RUINED the moment, instead of laying out line Vin & Joe did to let the moment marinate.
+Joseph Mostarda Paul Page's call of the last seven laps of the 1989 Indianapolis 500 was like this. As the two-man-duel for the lead, laps out in front of third place, kept on developing, Page kept dialing DOWN his call, to more and more terse descriptions, until, for two whole laps, inside four laps to go, Page said nothing other than the simple line, "The race tells its own score." Probably the best television call of all time to a motor racing event...and very much in line with this event here, less than a year before.
My wife and I were at this World Series game just one month before we were married. Blue Level, Aisle 2, Row One, seats 3 and 4. I still have my ticket, program, and photos from my little point and shoot camera. It was an amazing experience.
Eck walking Davis was inexcusable considering that Davis hit less then .200 during the season and Eck never walked anybody. That was his downfall. Oakland never recovered after this.
Michael Kay (yankees announcer) doesn't know when to shut the hell UP. Overall he's very good, but you can tell that hes from the radio school of broadcasting and not the TV school, cuz he NEVER allows big moments to breathe.
Lost my mind watching this here in Baltimore. 34 years later and this clip still can't be more perfect in capturing a "greatest of" moment. Wanted another ring so badly for our Orioles hero Rick Dempsey. He caught and called a terrific series for Orel, but Kirk Gibson gave that whole team their biggest boost possible. Just amazing.
One of my greatest memories as a Teenager. My dad and I were watching this on TV. My dad who is a lifelong Giants fan and grew up in the bay area and despised the Dodgers with a passion. I of course was rooting FOR them because, well I WASN'T from the bay area LOL. When Gibby came to the plate, my dad stood up for the entire at bat rooting for him like I have never heard him root FOR anyone EVER.
Pure joy watching this. In '88 I was a Phillies fan and a Dodger hater because of the defeats handed to the Phils by the Dodgers in the late 70's. But I watched this live when it happened and it just gets more amazing with time. One of the greatest moments in the history of the game. Loved it then and I love it now.
I grew up in the 80s with 3 channels. I spent many Saturday afternoons with Vin and Joe on NBC. They are synonymous with baseball for me. I remember watching this as it unfolded. Legendary!
Some forget that Eckersley, at this time in history, was THE BEST closer in the game. No one could touch him--Rivera picked up after him as the heir apparent. He was that good. So, even if Gibson had two good legs it would have been quite an achievement. I'm a Yankee fan but I still love this moment.
Mike Davis was responsible for that home run just as much as Kirk Gibson was. Davis' presence on the base path forced the pitcher, catcher, and the entire infield to focus on him. Watch at how much Davis pestered Eckersley, and split his concentration. He forced Eckersley to look his way and to throw to 1st multiple times. And after all that attention, Davis STILL stole 2nd. It's because of Davis that Eckersley found himself with a 3-2 count, and was thus forced to throw Gibson something to hit.
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y THAT WAS EPIC BEYOND BELIEF.........ECKERSLEY BLEW IT, THEY WERE ALL SO SMUG THINKING THE DODGERS WERE NOTHING.............YOU CAN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS, I SAW THIS LIVE FROM CALIF........INCREDIBLE, THE A'S WERE SUCH A BUNCH OF JERKS.....THIS WAS AWESOME........
This was seriously the greatest at bat of all time. Gibson not being physically at his best at all, literally gimping to the plate to face one of the greatest closers of all time, the intense six minute elongated battle between the pitcher and the batter, and ending in a winning homerun. You couldn't have written it much better than that.
Roger Angell wrote of it very much as you do here, talking about it in mythic language. He started that column with a parody of a cynical producer reading this as if it were a script for a movie, saying it was unrealistic and nothing ever really happens this way. But it does! "Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit two-run homer, struck against the flamboyantly successful Oakland reliever Dennis Eckersley, won the opening game in melodramatic fashion…. Gibson, who was suffering from damaged ligaments in his right knee and a strained left hamstring (he looked like Grandpa Joad on the base paths after his homer), did not appear again in the games, but the Lasorda Strolling Players did not lack for substitute heroes."
Man, spot on. The players deliver the moment, the crowd and the reaction provide the atmosphere. No need to say a word. Announcer today don't get this in the slightest. This gives me chills, and I'm a Mets fan.
For whatever reason, Eckersly threw over to first 4 times during the at bat, and the catcher threw to first behind Gibson, then the runner (Mike Davis) stole second without a play. Once he was on second Gibson didn't need an extra base hit to tie the game. Gibson's swing was off his front foot, kind of a contact first swing, but is was a fat hanging slider. Eckersly had Gibson 0-2. He threw to first twice between the second and third pitches. He never should have thrown over the second time.
Not to even mention the pressure on Gibby, it being the bottom of the 9th, they're one run down and it's a full 3 - 2 count. I couldn't even begin to comprehend that kind of pressure let alone delivering while under it.
Louis Reed Couldn't believe Eck tried to get Davis to chase 3 in a row and instead lost him. And then stupid pitch choice on a full count. The perfect set up for Gibby to smash a walk-off, or perhaps more like a limp-off.
Michael Molash I'm not trying to sound funny or disrespectful about this, but Kirk Gibson was basically paralyzed when he hit that home run. I say paralyzed based on everything you said.
Thank you so much Vin. It breaks my heart to see you go, I can remember being 4 years old at dodgers games and hearing your voice. You're the voice of the Dodgers. My dad and grandpa and uncle were all at this game and it must have been an amazing feeling to hear Vin announce what Kirk had just done. Thank you for being apart of the Dodgers organization. We love you. Sincerely, Myself, all of LA, and all of the MLB fans and community
It seemed appropriate to watch this after hearing of his passing. I was fortunate enought to grow up in So. Cal. and listen to him call Dodger games all season--not just the post-season. For so many, this is one of those "where were you moments" that you don't ever forget. I was 15 at the time and sitting on the floor in front of the television watching the game. When he hit the home run I jumped up and ran outside screaming. Because of the magical 1:07 between Scully saying "She is gone!" and his Improbable/Impossible comment, I don't think I missed any of his call. He is the best and the standard by which all others in his profession are judged. Thanks for the memories.
Watched it live in 1988 and I still get goosebumps in 2022. Doug Harvey umpire in the game is a hall of famer, Tommy Lasorda, Tony LaRussa are Hall of Famers, Dennis Eckersley is the only player that is a Hall of Famer. Jose Canseco hit a grand slam and Mark McGwire was 1st baseman. Vin Scully and Joe Garigiola on the call on T.V. and Don Drysdale and Joe Buck on radio. What a great time.
Between Vin's "High fly ball, into right field, she is... gone!" and "In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!", over one minute passes. Vin Scully knows how to let a moment marinate, that's for sure.
Saw this with my father from Aisle 3, Row A which, in the old configuration, was the first row behind the plate. Both Jack Buck's and Vinny's calls (heard later, of course) were incredibly accurate. I still can't believe what I saw because what happened was literally impossible. It is hard to explain this now that we all know it happened but when Gibson was up there against Eckersley in his prime, it was INCONCEIVABLE that a homerun could happen. He barely nicked the ball on 4 fouls, was stumbling after each swing and Eck was throwing darts inches off the plate and seemingly in total control...Then, and the video captures this well, there was a sound I will never forget: that pure crack of ball on bat which means only thing, "she is....gone!" As Vin said, the crowd went wild. I have been to a lot of great sporting events in LA including the great Laker Celtics duels of the 80's but I have NEVER experienced the delirium this moment created for 50,000 people. Pure Magic. Thank you for posting the whole at bat!
Growing up in Orange County (CA) in the 60's, Vin Scully's voice was the soundtrack to my childhood. My father always had the Dodger game on the radio. To this day, Scully's voice still makes me smile and fondly remember those days. Right after Vin Scully retired, a reporter asked him how his life will change. His response was classic Vin Scully. He said he "will need a smaller house and a bigger medicine cabinet".
Never gets old. I remember watching this with my dad in his living room in Portland neither of us could believe what we just saw. My dad has since passed away but that sports memory endures.
I used to hate Kirk Gibson. For 34 years now. But hearing his postgame interview for the first time just now, he is so humble and grateful for being able to do what he did. I have changed my mind. My childhood will never recover, but I can say I don’t hate him anymore.
We Dodger fans hated McCovey because he killed us. I was at Dodger Stadium for his final at bat before retiring. He hit a sac fly. Dodger fans gave him a 10-minute standing O. True fans can get over the rivalry and recognize greatness.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, and as a Pirates fan, worshiped at the Altar of Bob Prince. Prince is still my favorite play-by-play guy, but Scully is the GOAT.
For all the power Gibson had in his prime, that seemed like a half-swing because of the injuries he was working through. Makes it all that much more exciting and memorable. One of the greatest moments in baseball.
As a Bay Area resident, I felt a sinking in the pit of my stomach when Gibson hit it, but even as he rounded the bases I knew I had witnessed one of the most dramatic home runs in history. Even 400 miles away in enemy territory, I was mentally tipping my cap to him by the time he crossed home plate.
Give Tom Lasorda credit for "rolling the dice" and going with his gut knowing even a banged up Gibson was their only shot vs Eckersley. Lasorda is a Hall of Famer for several reasons - a great evaluator of talent, a master motivator, but mostly for being a brilliant in-game manager as he showed here in Game 1 of the WS.
@@bizzy24100 Absolutely. Through and through. When he was a coach, he refused several offers for managerial positions with the hope of someday becoming manager of the Dodgers when Alston retired. And his loyalty -- and talent -- paid off.
I was at Dodger Stadium when Kirk Gibson hit that Home Run. It was an electric moment. No one wanted to leave for almost an hour. You could feel the electricity in the air long after the moment.
Gibson was on the bench for all 53 outs of the game. He only batted once, and he didn’t touch a baseball all day, yet he was the player of the game. I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it (he definitely did), but that’s kinda neat, I thought.
no doubt. the music is corny lol. Give me the organ, the dude with the white fedora and radar gun behind home plate and the crazy dude with the colored afro holding the john 3:16 sign! lol ...can't forget Vin and Joe.
Agreed. I love that classic organ sound for sports. My favorite was always Chicago Stadium. Saw quite a few Blackhawk vs Red Wings games there back in the late 80's and early 90's. That organ was INSANE!! It was a Barton organ and had 3,663-pipes and the world's largest theater organ console with 6 keyboards and over 800 stops. When that thing played, you literally felt the reverberations in your chest. Was really sad to see that stadium retired.
His name is Mike Brito. He was and I still believe a scout for the Dodgers. He was responsible for the discovering and signing of Fernando Valenzuela, and was responsible for the signing of Yaseal Puig.
I was at at an appliance store, Circuit City in Santa Ana, CA buying my first CD player. The store had tens of TVs on and a huge crowd accumulated to watch the World Series. They even had chairs for customers to sit in. The salesman and I just stood there and watched Kirk Gibson's homer in bewilderment. No, not because of Kirk's homer, everybody went bonkers, you couldn't see a TV without someone blocking your vision, screaming, yelling, jumping and hugging and slapping high fives. It was really cool. The salesman said a few weeks later, they had a record month selling TVs.
Came straight here and sent the links to my dad who I watched this live with and to my son who I’ve made watch it before on several occasions throughout his baseball career.
This was one of Vin Scullys best calls. Just the way he uses the metaphor and making you feel the magic. Before it was gonna happen. Every Dodger fan that year knew it was gonna be a homerun as soon as Vin said and he walked him. And look who's coming up. We all felt it coming. The entire season was this way.
This stands alone as the single greatest example of "clutch" in sports history. It is also the most improbable, most unbelievable, most epic moment in the history of sports!! Watching this happen live, in real time, was the greatest thing I have ever seen as a fan!! Gibson could barely walk, but he knew, thanks to Dodgers head scout Mel Didier, that Eckersley would, if he had a full count on a left handed hitter, be absolutely counted on to throw a backdoor slider, & he did just that. Still gives me chills all these years later!!
@Paul Whitcomb that was also an amazing WS moment to be sure. I think Gibson's was more incredible because he could barely walk, it was his only at bat in the Series, and it completely deflated the heavily favored A's while reminding the Dodgers that they were a team of destiny! Gibson was the catalyst for that entire magical season the Dodgers had that year.
@Paul Whitcomb I couldn't find an answer specifically on The World Series, however, the team that wins the first game of a best of 7 series goes on to win that series 76.4% of the time. Specifically in WS play, teams that lost the first 2 games have only come back to win 14x vs. 74 loses. And only the 1979 Pirates won after falling behind 3-0.
I saw an interview with Gibson and Eckersley talking about that game, and it was great to hear how proud Eckersley was of that moment. Even though he gave up the home run, he was just honoured to be part of something so amazing.
The unbelievable joy on Tommy Lasorda's face is the part I'll never forget from this moment. The man was smiling from ear to ear. I remember seeing an interview with one of the players years later saying he was crying for what seemed like forever he was so happy.
The BEST call by legendary Vin Scully, who is retiring this year after 67 years broadcasting the Dodgers, in Brooklyn and in Los Angeles!!!!!! WHAT A LEGEND!!!
I NEVER get tired of seeing this! Not only is this amazing, it really shows the skill and mastery of Vin Scully! At 12:04 when he announces "She is gone!", he doesn't say another word for another minute and 8 seconds! That's a dramatic pause that has NEVER been displayed on television or radio, EVER!
A magical moment in sports history. I'm glad to have witnessed it from TV as a kid. For those who were at Dodger stadium when it happened, what a memory to keep.
36 years ago and... This is easily the greatest Dodgers memory of my lifetime. I watched it at home, and leaped out of my easy chair So High, I jammed my knuckles into the cottage cheese coating on the ceiling leaving 8 finger marks scratched into it as a monumental reminder of the most thrilling at bat in Dodger history.
I was living in Redondo Beach at this time. My mother and I were Giants fans. My younger brother Jeff and his friend would go down in Chevize Ravine and and catch the Giants. My brothers friend asked Bobby Bonds to get an autograph and he signed the bottom of a paper cup that my friend and said you gotta kidding me. He singed it and shook my friends hand. Those were the days.
What a game that was! The sound of the crowd is incredible! 40,000+ people all screaming with surprise and joy at the same instant! That's a sound like no other!
As a fan I really enjoyed this moment. At a young age I moved, from Detroit, to a small town in Kansas. But I remained a devout Detroit fan and Gibson, not only being from Michigan, was a beloved Tiger. I still followed Gibby even when he went to the Dodgers. Also my small home town, in Kansas, was the home town of Bill Russell the long time shortstop of the Dodgers.
I grew up in LA. My brother and I used to put transistor radios under our pillows at bedtime so we could listen to Vinny call a game as we went to sleep. If you were lucky enough to see a game live at Dodger Stadium in the 60's, you were also treated to Vinny calling the game. How did that happen? Dodger Stadium held 55,000. 40,000 brought radios into the stadium to have the live game and the Scully voice of the Dodgers at the same time. God.....he was the best. Simply the best. Thanks Vin......you will live forever.
Me too. I was a senior in high school in Van Nuys, CA at the time and remember some of my teammates talking about the game the day after in the locker room before we went out for football practice. The whole city was buzzing bc the Dodgers really had a magical season up to that point but not too many people thought they could beat Oakland with Conseco, McGwire, both Henderson's and their pitching staff. What got lost was the Dodgers had and incredible pitching staff themselves, led by Oral Hershiser, that literally shut other offenses down. The Dodgers eventually went on to win one of the most improbable WS. The Kirk Gibson HR set the stage for one of the best underdog stories in sports history!
Truely legendary 😊
It’s the same way in Detroit with Ernie Harwell. I know exactly what you’re talking about!
@@cjackson9627Thanks brother. I’m older than you and graduated from Birmingham.
In elementary school we all listened to Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett. We lived Dod-yers as Vinnie used to say.
Now look at what the Dodgers are doing with their promoting a demonic sexual group. Not even fit for family anymore.
Me too. Since 1975. And I still use a transistor radio to listen to games. Every game I can. And usually only games where they start early and I am at work do I not. And that's because the walls are so thick the signal is bad.
Nowadays I have the luxury of watching all televised games but I use transistor also. Especially on national telecasts. Volume goes down on TV and radio goes up. With the time delay I hear the play before TV shows it. So if I'm not near the TV I can usually get there to see the visual. Not like in the 70's and 80's having to wait up to see if local news would show a few hi-lites. And I take my transistor to the games too. Getting harder to find them. Radio Shack had the best. I had 3 since 1977. They last. 😃 So many good memories. Go Dodgers!
I was there that night. My girlfriend's father had season tickets and we were in the left field bleacher seats. The crowds noise was so deafening it seemed liked it lasted for 20 minutes. I temporally lost my hearing for about a half hour. Nobody left, we all just stayed there for along time. It was absolutely one of the best moments of my life.
awesome story!
I wasn't there, but I watched it and it was one of the best moments of my lifetime as well. I'm not even that much of a baseball fan but I know greatness when I see it.
@Lindsey Hunt, SAME!! The day before one of the vendors for the company I worked for said they were going to comp us tickets before the end of the day, one of their employees would come by and drop them off. All day nobody shows up, we're waiting and waiting. 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 literally around 10 minutes to 5 when we'd be going home the guy walks in with the tickets. We were about halfway between third and the Dodgers bullpen in the middle section. I will never forget how loud it was and also all the cars in the parking lot that left early and the brake lights when it happened.
What a great moment to witness. I'm so glad you had such a cool experience!
I was there too! Right behind you!! I remember you!!
I like to re-watch this just to hear Vin Scully's voice. Still excites you. He was the best!
His voice reminds me of the robotic, digitized voice from Sports Talk Baseball for the Sega Genesis.
What John Madden was for football
The brilliance of Vin Scully: Gibson hits the home run, and after Scully calls "It's gone!", he doesn't say another word for over an entire minute. He just lets the pictures and the roaring of the crowd to tell the story, and it is magical. Most announcers have no idea when to shut up. Thank you Vin, for my entire life of listening to the Dodgers, thank you.
He waited almost a minute to speak again...brilliant, brilliant call! Scully is the boss...
@@rr44yd8 Scully is definitely the boss. He did the same when our Hank Aaron hit 715 and let us the fans enjoy the moment. What a national treasure he is.
unlike now when they ramble on endlessly without taking a breath the entire game.
Pat summerall calling nfc games was great at that. Staubach comes to the line. Drops back , co.plete to pearson at redskins 43. Huddle 20 seconds later hill split left peason right. Skins vs cowboys 70s at RFK were always fun.
Mr. Leete I am wondering if you are old enough to remember 60s and 70s when NBC had Saturdays Game of the Week. First 2 months was only one game. Then in june july august they would have doubleheaders. 69 went from 10 teams in each al and nl to 24 teams. Every team had a hall of fame pitcher or a topline #1 Starter. You could watch Seaver pitch vs Gibson in first game. Then Marichal vs Drysdale in game 2. Scully would do west coast unless Dodgers were in east playing. Many of those pitchers could go on 3 days rest. Most teams had a 4 man rotation. I remember 1 game that i cant recall if it was game of week. Fergie Jenkins of Cubs. Who won 20 games or more for 6 years in a row from 67 to 72. Pitch against Bob Gibson. Game took 1: 52. Thats pitching with rythme. Dont see that anymore.
Thank you Kirk Gibson and thank you Mr Vin Scully!!
You know what we all miss in this? At the 5:16 mark, as Gibson comes out of the dugout, Vin says "And look who's coming up" -- and then goes silent for a full 40 seconds to let the TV audience see and hear the crowd going nuts. Proof again that Vin was the absolute master.
that one felt like a movie scene LOL not gonna lie; when life imitates art
When they broadcasted the '84 series at Tiger Stadium, when Detroit won it, close to the last out, he said he would be silent to hear the roar of the crowd.
Vin was the broadcaster's GOAT. He could have made a grocery list sound exciting.
@@ed056 absolutely the GOAT. Not just the voice of the Dodgers, he was the face of the team. We will always remember and cherish Vin. 😥
@@ed056 Ha-ha! He DID - and you'll find it here on RUclips. Vin Scullly reeading a grocery list!
68 seconds of "dead air" after "she is gone" call by Vin. Until he said "in a year..." But not dead air at all. A true magician who knew how to call the game and let people feel the game. No one needed to hear an announcer at that moment. Now, the announcers can't be quiet. Gonna miss Vin. He was a true artist and the best that ever was.
People hate on Joe Buck but he would do the exact same thing. Believe me, Joe Buck is no Vin Scully by any means, but he knows what he's doing.
Joe Buck has the excitement of a dung beetle when he calls a game. His old man was so much better.
Joe Buck is a monotone. Among the top 100 sports broadcasters that ever announced the game, he ranks at #101. There ya go!
I will NEVER defend Joe Buck. His dad was good. Joe is average. Scott, thanks for not drawing a comparison between Joe Buck and Vin Scully. However, I have to give credit to Joe Buck. When the Cubs won Game 5 of the World Series, at least Joe Buck was quiet so the TV audience could hear "Go Cubs Go" after the game.
I also can't totally fault Joe Buck for his non stop talking. In our "Instant Gratification" society, if there were 68 seconds of "dead air" now, people would be replacing batteries in their remotes, checking their twitter feeds, or complaining to their TV Provider that something was wrong.
So, shame on all of us for not being able to sit quietly and enjoy the magic. The sport that takes away our troubles for a few hours. The thing that brings us all together.
He always said he would rather let the moment do the talking. Perfect call
Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola - what bliss to listen to these two outstanding broadcasters again.
Except when the Phillies were in the World Series. Garagiola despised the Phillies and you could hear his tone on audio.
Garagiola was the voice of my childhood on NBC, in the 60s when I played little league and youth football. I learned a lot from his calling baseball and football.
Seriously... Miss them both. Always knew it was an important ballgame if either one or both were in the booth.
Vin Scully. The sound of his voice made the big games, the big moments, even bigger. An American treasure for sure. LORD, may he Rest In Peace.
AMEN! 😪
He was wildly racist though.
Was always a fringe baseball fan. But I would watch games he would call just to listen to him. There was something so professional, yet calming and common about his call. It just made me feel so good to be at the ol' ball game. RIP good sir!
@@mikesaccoia5748 Supposedly Hitler could lull an audience too. Sorry to ruin your childhood but this guy was racist and soon black people will own half the wealth in this country so can enjoy true equality and equity.
@@FREEDOM_OR_DEATH_ lololol
My mother, a long time Dodgers fan, died a month before this game. In her honor, I watched every game in the series. But this amazing HR had me on my feet, tears streaming down my face. "This one's fir you, Mom"!
She was their angel that year!!
oh I'm so sorry, she was there no doubt about it.
she had a front row seat!!!
Rip Auntie
That was the Real Angel uhh I mean Dodger In the Outfield.
"In the year of the improbable, the IMPOSSIBLE has happened!" Best line I've ever heard.
+Lettermen Fan Then he says, "And now the only question was, could he make it around the basepaths unassisted?" Love it!!!!
I need to remember that quote in case the Rangers win the World Series this year. 😅😅😅😅
@Lettermen, if you're going to quote him, need to get the quote exactly right. He was a master of every word: "In a year that was SO improbable, the IMPOSSIBLE has happened!" -- Scully was a master of the punctuation for every magical moment.
@@davidseider6132 indeed he was, da best baseball announcer there ever was and ever will be.
@@oldsalt7534wow this aged like fine wine! You were only one year off! Hope you remembered this line when your boys won it all!
I still can't believe he hit that home run in that situation under that pressure with the state his body was in at the time. Magical is the only word that can describe it. Magical.
One armed. Couldn't even run the bases.
@@sammencia7945 he just put the barrel square on the ball. The pitcher supplied the power. Clutch
It sure did seem like magic.... Who would have thought Gibson as bad as he was beat up.
Euphoric and heavenly can describe the situation as well 😁
Even after 33 years, this never gets old, I’ll never forget that moment in history.
35 years now.....
2024 history repeats itself
One of the greatest moments in baseball history
84 tigers against Gossage and Padres was better for me but I was a Tiger fan. Thanks Gibby
For sure but nothing can beat the Orioles losing 33 straight games to start the season one year.
It was Casey at the Bat only Casey didn't strike out.
No doubt!
I was watching with my daughter 😊
Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola: two of the best baseball broadcasters in my lifetime. I miss them both. Kirk Gibson's HR will go down as one of the greatest clutch performances in MLB history.
I grew up with Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reece .
This was when CBS or NBC owned the Yankees. They were on the game the week
It made this south Texas boy a Yankees fan.
That was.the 50's and 60's !
My wife and I were at this game, actually we got up to leave,and were up by the food stands,and when they announced Gibson was coming to bat, the only thing you could see in the Dodger stadium parking lot were people hitting the break lights... Needless to say, nobody left Dodger stadium for over 3 hours after that home run. Was the greatest baseball experience I have ever had..
Mark Copfer Awesome! Thanks for sharing your story. I love hearing the experience of people who were there. I was only 3-5 miles away, but at 2 years old... I didn't experience much.
+Mark Copfer What kind of fans leave a World Series in the 9th when you're down only a couple runs? Cmon seriously.
+Armando Espinoza I was a kid of only 43 at the time ;-) but one of my favorite baseball moments of all time.
At 12:04 someone was leaving.
Awesome
Everyone during this time know where they were when this happened at least if you lived in SoCal
Dodgers had really No chance to Win the Power House of the Oakland A's that year
I still remember this awesome moment in time --- I was just out of high school partying with my friends and watching the game not expecting much from the Dodgers and then for me the greatest moment in baseball history to me happened and then I thought at least they won one from the A's but then again the Dodgers won the World Series!
Now I tell my kids about this greatest moment in Dodger history
Vin Scully showed his greatness once the ball cleared the fence. He was silent from 12:04 to 13:12 meaning 68 seconds. NO ONE let the moment "speak for itself" better than Vin. RIP to a legend
Something tells me that Vin was celebrating during that 68 seconds. Vin bled Blue that's for sure. Go Dodgers!!!
68 seconds of silence --- only the great ones do that
When American Pharoah won the Triple Crown they did the same thing. Did not speak for a few minutes
@@rhondablack8079 They asked him if he had something to say and he said: Neeeeiiighhh!
Drysdales was almost 2 minutes.
I was a serious A's fan at the time and I still get chills watching this momentous at bat by Kirk Gibson. Incredible coaching by Lasorda. To hear Vin Scully call it makes it even better.
Bottom of the 9th, 3-2 count, man on base, down by one run... An INJURED & SUFFERING batter hits a home run to win the game. What are we watching here, "The Natural"??!! This 19-minute post is AS GOOD as a MOVIE!!
This brings to mind Kurt Schilling's epic victory for Boston in their World Series. The photo taken of his ankle at the end of that game gave new meaning to "Boston Red Sox"!
you're probably referring 2 Game 6 2004 ALCS when his sock was seeped in blood yet he still pitched seven remarkable innings, 2 me 2004 ALCS was Boston's real world Series since they came back from a 3-0 deficient against the Yankees, may never ever happen again.
In the NBC introduction to Game 2, they ACTUALLY put in footage from THE NATURAL and mixed it with images from Kirk Gibson's epic homer, with that stirring music from the movie. AWESOME!
I
There was a reference to that in the locker room, a banner inside with the name "Roy Hobbs".
Gibson would later recount that prior to the Series, Dodger scout Mel Didier had provided a report on Eckersley which claimed that with a 3-2 count against a left-handed hitter, one could be absolutely certain that Eckersley would throw a backdoor slider. Gibson said that when the count reached 3-2, he stepped out of the batter's box and, in his mind, could hear Didier's voice reiterating that same piece of advice.With that thought in mind, Gibson stepped back into the batter's box and thus when Eckersley did in fact throw a backdoor slider, it was exactly the pitch Gibson was expecting...
Exactly, well said & Mel was my mentor . God Bless him & his wife Elena & family . A wonderful gentleman & respected baseball scout & inspiration to many baseball players & staff. He will never be forgotten, a life well lived . God Speed . We miss you dearly Mel . ⚾️🙏
FIXED GAME !
@@ssbeebs More like inside info with this amount of information. Fixed might mean Eckersley knew, but that look of genuine surprise on his face seems like it was unexpected to him. After reading Brian Tuohy book "The Fix is In" I've always wondered about this moment, and have carefully observed the reactions of all involved, and everything looks so natural and unscripted. But who knows for certain.
Wow. That's amazing Intel. That one bit of information could have won or lost the series. Thanks for sharing.
@@ssbeebs 🤡
Everything about the ninth inning was epic. The amazing thing about the swing was that it wasn’t all arms, it was all wrists, with zero lower body. An amazing athletic feat, a great ballplayer adjusting his body to what capability remained after all the injuries.
The BEST double arm pump in the history of mankind....
Amazing
Geneforson It will never be duplicated, and the limp just sends it over the top.
Kurt Gibson was a real man. Take notes.
What pain?! He’s on Cloud 9. Never felt better in his life. He’s on top of the world. King of LA
Still makes me emotional watching him round second base
I saw both events
no matter how many times I see this I still get chills
He made him bring IT..... !
Remember to Carlton Fisk !
World series of 1975
@@김길동-j9z That one, too!
😃 Me too Brother! I witnessed it live, and I'll always say it was the most awesome Home Run I ever saw! 🥶 Oh, here comes those chills! LOL !
FIXED !! WAKE UP
I grew up listening to Vin Scully. I loved his announcing. I'll miss him very VERY much. With love and respect and admiration. R.I.P. Mr. Vin Scully.
Amen, from a born & raised L.A. Dodger fan. Nobody did, does, or ever will do it better than Vin. He's enjoying perfect freedom in Heaven, calling the plays with all the greats that have gone before.😥
Absolutely one of the most “clutch” moments in sports history. Brings tears to the eyes. This coming from an Angels fan. 👍👍👍
Made even more perfect by the amazing perfection of Scully and Garagiola to keep their mouths shut for over a minute. You think Joe Buck would have done that? ( from a Yankee fan)
@@nicholasiadevaio3854, you would’ve had to tape Joe Buck’s mouth shut. Lol
From the big A....I agree. Although we got our moment a few years later.
Second it by this Giants fan. 'nuff said
@@rh5563 Seriously
I've had some rough times since 1988. I was in between first base and right field for this game and I was 17. Looking back, this was the highlight of my life. Not sure that speaks well about my life. But this was pure magic and I was there, which is weird being that it's the only postseason sporting event I ever attended. It was like ice cold electricity being pumped into your body. I'll never forget it.
Wow, sad story. Drugs?
It was so loud, you couldn't hear the person next to you. I was 10 rows up on the side of first base. With Mickey Hatcher's home run, earlier, I thought the Dodgers had the game until Conseco made his grand slam. Even then, the crowd was shouting out, "Steroids" at him. I was ready to pack up and get ready to leave until Gibson walked up to bat. I really thought the Dodgers would lose, but when Gibson made his run, I had to count to 10 to believe it. I was 13, and this was the last post season game I attended as well, and as far as I am concerned, it is the only game I needed to be in. I am very content about that! Peace!
My dad was there. Sadly he didnt see it. After Scosica popped up he started walking towards the parking lot. Was a few steps out of the exit when he hears the crowd. He said security actually let him back in
I wish you well. This resonated with me and hope today finds you well
Reserve level, half way up, right field, fair territory overlooking A's bullpen with my step brother. We were at this game.
He literally threw the bat at the ball, and did so perfectly.
So true crazy.
That really is a perfect description of what he did.
NICE JOB posting the entire at-bat, versus just the home run "kill shot," because it conveyed the drama, the tension...and, ultimately, the win!!
Great point Dennis! This is a moment to be savored.
Thank you!! Yes, I agree it's a wonderful moment, especially growing up in Detroit and seeing "Gibby " (as George Kell called him!) help secure the Detroit Tigers World Series win in '84 with an awesome home run in the last game!!
Dennis Cassley So true! Even showing Davis getting on base added to the moment. I had actually forgotten what an amazing total at bat that was from Gibson and Scully is simply the greatest that will ever be. There is a great story Bob Costas tells in the Ken Burns Baseball doc about being in the clubhouse with Gibson while he is taking warm up cuts in the cage during Davis' at bat. Costas said when Lasorda called and asked if he could go, Gibson said something like "tell him I got one more good swing in me...."
Steve Goldschmidt Remembered the home run. Totally forgot how much drama was in that at bat! If this HR had been in a Game 7 it would be remembered as the most clutch HR of ALL TIME! Still incredible tho!
Dennis Cassley I am a Detroit fan too, and I was watching this game for Gibby like most Tiger fans. I was only about 9 years old at the time, but still was old enough to watch in '84. We loved us some Gibby and we did support our guys back then even after they left quite well. :)
Was a different time then still. Free agents weren't' as common and you supported your guys for longer when they left. The World Series was a HUGE deal in America still back then on the level of the Super Bowl I think. Up until the strike and then the Roid scandals baseball playoffs were big time. The drama of the World Series can't be matched imo. If you understand baseball you love it. There is so much to it that you can smell it and feel it in the air. :)
The greatest at bat I’ve ever seen and the greatest call I’ve ever heard. It was the confluence of absolute greatness.
it was cheating. That bat was corked.
@@matthewburris769: GFY, liar.
@@matthewburris769Corked or not, that ball was gone.
I watched this live. I jumped up out of my chair and ran around howling in circles in my living room for at least a minute. One of the most iconic moments in sports history for me.
I hated this moment but yet so great
My coffee table flipped. Went airborne.
I leapt off my sofa screaming at the top of my lungs. I’m an old lady and that’s the only time in my life that’s ever happened.
I watched it on TV too and went wild! But the next season I went to Dodger stadium and sat in the left field bleachers, Gibson's field. He happen to be slumping at the time, and some were booing him. But I applauded all the more after THIS moment. He appreciated it as he looked right at me and smiled, kind of a sad closed lip smile. After the greatest moment in dodger history the year before, how can you boo him?
My dad said he was holding me in his hands and accidentally dropped me out of excitement lol
The look on Tommy’s face when he burst out of the dugout. Pure Joy. God’s Speed, Tommy. RIP.
That was probably the most excited Tommy Lasorda ever was in the MLB
Such an epic camera shot. Whomever directed this game should be recognized. Amazing work in the broadcast truck.
GREAT ANNOUNCERS know when to BE QUIET!! After the HR, Vin & Joe are SILENT for a WHOLE MINUTE, letting the viewer take in & enjoy vicariously the "moment"!!
Exactly! I've had this problem with football, and UFC fights. They seem to have to fill every second with non sense.
+Dennis Cassley EXACTLY!!! Joe Buck & crew are 100 times inferior.
+snag66 Joe Buck would've had some rehearsed call that would've RUINED the moment, instead of laying out line Vin & Joe did to let the moment marinate.
+Dennis Cassley I was going to point this out. Sometimes the best stories have no words at all.
+Joseph Mostarda Paul Page's call of the last seven laps of the 1989 Indianapolis 500 was like this. As the two-man-duel for the lead, laps out in front of third place, kept on developing, Page kept dialing DOWN his call, to more and more terse descriptions, until, for two whole laps, inside four laps to go, Page said nothing other than the simple line, "The race tells its own score." Probably the best television call of all time to a motor racing event...and very much in line with this event here, less than a year before.
The Pulp Fiction of baseball highlights: eternally rewatchable!
My wife and I were at this World Series game just one month before we were married. Blue Level, Aisle 2, Row One, seats 3 and 4. I still have my ticket, program, and photos from my little point and shoot camera. It was an amazing experience.
Are you still married to her?
28 Years later and 200+ times watching, I still get goosebumps.
Such a disappointing series. I'll forever hate Gibson for this.
No Kidding Eck should have gone after Mike Davis.
why he hit an amazing home run that will probably never happen again
Eck walking Davis was inexcusable considering that Davis hit less then .200 during the season and Eck never walked anybody. That was his downfall. Oakland never recovered after this.
Thank God Mike Davis wasn't picked off at first.
One of the greatest moments in MLB History 💙
9/22
Such good memories. Aspiring announcers, note that Vin Scully was silent for a good minute after the homerun. Classy, classy, classy.
Scully's silence is golden. Less is more.
athefumen ✅ ✅ ✅
Michael Kay (yankees announcer) doesn't know when to shut the hell UP. Overall he's very good, but you can tell that hes from the radio school of broadcasting and not the TV school, cuz he NEVER allows big moments to breathe.
Maybe Phillies TV announcer Tom McCarthy should take a page from Vin's book.
He never stops talking and worse yet, it is a lot of innocuous blather.
@@josephpasquarello7191 sounds like him and Michael Kay went to the same play by play school lol
no matter how many countless times i have watched this, it remains THE greatest moment in sports that i have ever watched
'In a year that's been so improbable, the impossible has happened!' Thank you Vinnie for that memorable assessment of this magical moment!
34 years later and still goosebumps. Dawg
Lost my mind watching this here in Baltimore. 34 years later and this clip still can't be more perfect in capturing a "greatest of" moment. Wanted another ring so badly for our Orioles hero Rick Dempsey. He caught and called a terrific series for Orel, but Kirk Gibson gave that whole team their biggest boost possible. Just amazing.
One of my greatest memories as a Teenager. My dad and I were watching this on TV. My dad who is a lifelong Giants fan and grew up in the bay area and despised the Dodgers with a passion. I of course was rooting FOR them because, well I WASN'T from the bay area LOL. When Gibby came to the plate, my dad stood up for the entire at bat rooting for him like I have never heard him root FOR anyone EVER.
Pure joy watching this. In '88 I was a Phillies fan and a Dodger hater because of the defeats handed to the Phils by the Dodgers in the late 70's. But I watched this live when it happened and it just gets more amazing with time. One of the greatest moments in the history of the game. Loved it then and I love it now.
I grew up in the 80s with 3 channels. I spent many Saturday afternoons with Vin and Joe on NBC. They are synonymous with baseball for me. I remember watching this as it unfolded. Legendary!
Some forget that Eckersley, at this time in history, was THE BEST closer in the game. No one could touch him--Rivera picked up after him as the heir apparent. He was that good. So, even if Gibson had two good legs it would have been quite an achievement. I'm a Yankee fan but I still love this moment.
Regret hearing this
i think Lee Smith was same era?
Mike Davis was responsible for that home run just as much as Kirk Gibson was. Davis' presence on the base path forced the pitcher, catcher, and the entire infield to focus on him. Watch at how much Davis pestered Eckersley, and split his concentration. He forced Eckersley to look his way and to throw to 1st multiple times. And after all that attention, Davis STILL stole 2nd. It's because of Davis that Eckersley found himself with a 3-2 count, and was thus forced to throw Gibson something to hit.
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y , That's why it's a Team game.
@@user-sg8kq7ii3y THAT WAS EPIC BEYOND BELIEF.........ECKERSLEY BLEW IT, THEY WERE ALL SO SMUG THINKING THE DODGERS WERE NOTHING.............YOU CAN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS, I SAW THIS LIVE FROM CALIF........INCREDIBLE, THE A'S WERE SUCH A BUNCH OF JERKS.....THIS WAS AWESOME........
I think this is the real world equivalent of the home run scene from The Natural. This is the best baseball RUclips clip ever published.
This was seriously the greatest at bat of all time. Gibson not being physically at his best at all, literally gimping to the plate to face one of the greatest closers of all time, the intense six minute elongated battle between the pitcher and the batter, and ending in a winning homerun. You couldn't have written it much better than that.
Roger Angell wrote of it very much as you do here, talking about it in mythic language. He started that column with a parody of a cynical producer reading this as if it were a script for a movie, saying it was unrealistic and nothing ever really happens this way. But it does!
"Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit two-run homer, struck against the flamboyantly successful Oakland reliever Dennis Eckersley, won the opening game in melodramatic fashion…. Gibson, who was suffering from damaged ligaments in his right knee and a strained left hamstring (he looked like Grandpa Joad on the base paths after his homer), did not appear again in the games, but the Lasorda Strolling Players did not lack for substitute heroes."
And the catcher almost picked off the runner after ball 1 pitch. Crazy suspense
Man, spot on. The players deliver the moment, the crowd and the reaction provide the atmosphere. No need to say a word. Announcer today don't get this in the slightest. This gives me chills, and I'm a Mets fan.
For whatever reason, Eckersly threw over to first 4 times during the at bat, and the catcher threw to first behind Gibson, then the runner (Mike Davis) stole second without a play. Once he was on second Gibson didn't need an extra base hit to tie the game. Gibson's swing was off his front foot, kind of a contact first swing, but is was a fat hanging slider. Eckersly had Gibson 0-2. He threw to first twice between the second and third pitches. He never should have thrown over the second time.
Not to even mention the pressure on Gibby, it being the bottom of the 9th, they're one run down and it's a full 3 - 2 count. I couldn't even begin to comprehend that kind of pressure let alone delivering while under it.
This wasn’t a “slow trot to enjoy the moment,” Gibson was going as fast as he could.
No stride, no legs, all arms... HR.... Legend.
scully talking about how davis only had 2 homers and he saves the dodgers with a huge walk - October baseball kicks ass
Michael Molash looks like he kind of threw the bat at it. Amazed that it cleared the fence.
Louis Reed Couldn't believe Eck tried to get Davis to chase 3 in a row and instead lost him. And then stupid pitch choice on a full count. The perfect set up for Gibby to smash a walk-off, or perhaps more like a limp-off.
One of the greatest moments in WS history !!
!
Michael Molash I'm not trying to sound funny or disrespectful about this, but Kirk Gibson was basically paralyzed when he hit that home run. I say paralyzed based on everything you said.
The most famous limp-off home run in baseball history!
I believe there were Angels in the outfield hitting with him.
Well, you can't favour two legs can you..😅
Thank you so much Vin. It breaks my heart to see you go, I can remember being 4 years old at dodgers games and hearing your voice. You're the voice of the Dodgers. My dad and grandpa and uncle were all at this game and it must have been an amazing feeling to hear Vin announce what Kirk had just done. Thank you for being apart of the Dodgers organization. We love you. Sincerely,
Myself, all of LA, and all of the MLB fans and community
Joe Buck:
In the air to right-field, the Dodgers win game 1.
Gameshowboy 92 Does EVERYONE hate Joe Buck? Sure seems that way. And yet, he's re-hired by FOX every year!
+Gameshowboy 92 BTW the radio call of Gibson's HR by Joe Buck's father, Jack Buck, is fantastic.
Rich Wright Better than Joe would have done?
+Gameshowboy 92 And he would be biting his tongue to avoid saying 'No flags".
+Richard Gerlach Pretty much so, I think. I'm glad my team is in the AFC; I skip any NFC game he and Aikman are calling.
It seemed appropriate to watch this after hearing of his passing. I was fortunate enought to grow up in So. Cal. and listen to him call Dodger games all season--not just the post-season. For so many, this is one of those "where were you moments" that you don't ever forget. I was 15 at the time and sitting on the floor in front of the television watching the game. When he hit the home run I jumped up and ran outside screaming. Because of the magical 1:07 between Scully saying "She is gone!" and his Improbable/Impossible comment, I don't think I missed any of his call. He is the best and the standard by which all others in his profession are judged. Thanks for the memories.
Vin Scully! Nothing more to add.
steve
I agree. I'm not a dodger fan but it brings tears to my eyes because of Scully and Gibson's fortitude is what sports is all about
> When he hit the home run I jumped up and ran outside screaming.
Same!
Classy Vin Scully. Not talking over the moment. He knew when to lay out and let the pictures tell the story.
A true pro
One of the greatest and most emotional moments in baseball.
Watched it live in 1988 and I still get goosebumps in 2022. Doug Harvey umpire in the game is a hall of famer, Tommy Lasorda, Tony LaRussa are Hall of Famers, Dennis Eckersley is the only player that is a Hall of Famer. Jose Canseco hit a grand slam and Mark McGwire was 1st baseman. Vin Scully and Joe Garigiola on the call on T.V. and Don Drysdale and Joe Buck on radio. What a great time.
Jack was calling it on the radio, Joe was 19 years old at the time.
Between Vin's "High fly ball, into right field, she is... gone!" and "In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!", over one minute passes. Vin Scully knows how to let a moment marinate, that's for sure.
Saw this with my father from Aisle 3, Row A which, in the old configuration, was the first row behind the plate. Both Jack Buck's and Vinny's calls (heard later, of course) were incredibly accurate. I still can't believe what I saw because what happened was literally impossible. It is hard to explain this now that we all know it happened but when Gibson was up there against Eckersley in his prime, it was INCONCEIVABLE that a homerun could happen. He barely nicked the ball on 4 fouls, was stumbling after each swing and Eck was throwing darts inches off the plate and seemingly in total control...Then, and the video captures this well, there was a sound I will never forget: that pure crack of ball on bat which means only thing, "she is....gone!" As Vin said, the crowd went wild. I have been to a lot of great sporting events in LA including the great Laker Celtics duels of the 80's but I have NEVER experienced the delirium this moment created for 50,000 people. Pure Magic. Thank you for posting the whole at bat!
My greatest baseball memory. 11 years old. Watching it in my bedroom on my rabbit ear TV, in Williamstown, NJ. Thanks Kirk and VIN!
Growing up in Orange County (CA) in the 60's, Vin Scully's voice was the soundtrack to my childhood. My father always had the Dodger game on the radio. To this day, Scully's voice still makes me smile and fondly remember those days. Right after Vin Scully retired, a reporter asked him how his life will change. His response was classic Vin Scully. He said he "will need a smaller house and a bigger medicine cabinet".
Hi Greg. Vin had a unique voice, made for announcing. And he had an unparalleled way with words. We will always remember Vin.
Never gets old. I remember watching this with my dad in his living room in Portland neither of us could believe what we just saw. My dad has since passed away but that sports memory endures.
Sport memories are da best
Rip in heaven dad
Never ever gets old watching this. Especially with Vin just hushing up and letting the moment speak for itself!!!
I used to hate Kirk Gibson. For 34 years now. But hearing his postgame interview for the first time just now, he is so humble and grateful for being able to do what he did. I have changed my mind. My childhood will never recover, but I can say I don’t hate him anymore.
We Dodger fans hated McCovey because he killed us. I was at Dodger Stadium for his final at bat before retiring. He hit a sac fly. Dodger fans gave him a 10-minute standing O. True fans can get over the rivalry and recognize greatness.
Lived in Detroit when Gibson played for the Tigers. He was my favorite. Was rooting for him here and he delivered. Quite a moment.
The greatest 20 minutes in baseball history.
I agree
This will never get old, one of the best World Series moments this game has ever had
One of the most surreal sporting moments I've ever witnessed. I still get chills watching this replay.
+Mike Paquet completely:)
Vin was the best broadcaster in MLB history!! This from a very old Giants fan. And I did see Willy Mac hit a grand slam!!!!
I grew up in Pittsburgh, and as a Pirates fan, worshiped at the Altar of Bob Prince. Prince is still my favorite play-by-play guy, but Scully is the GOAT.
For all the power Gibson had in his prime, that seemed like a half-swing because of the injuries he was working through. Makes it all that much more exciting and memorable. One of the greatest moments in baseball.
Makes it all that more cheating bullsht.
Spot on- it look like half swing, how did Gibson hit it get over the fence
An amazing at bat, watch him in the 8th at Tiger Stadium against Goose …. Omg it’s dejavu all over again!…1984 World Series
Eckersley didn't give up very many hits. But when he did, it was usually a big one.
Yeah it seemed like he was chasing that pitch. Just imagine if he had put full power on that hit? That ball would have left the state.
Vin Scully is the best announcer of all time. No arguing about it.
Nope. And any arguments would be silly anyway.
willard2729 what?! have you never heard him? *some people*
+MrLuxInATux what an idiot
Kevin Thomas shhh...
+MrLuxInATux Chuck Thompson was just as good, if not better.
Am from Boston Massachusetts, but I remember watching this with my buddies. Will never forget it!!
Best. TV. Baseball. Moment. Ever.
You couldn't script it any better.
As a Bay Area resident, I felt a sinking in the pit of my stomach when Gibson hit it, but even as he rounded the bases I knew I had witnessed one of the most dramatic home runs in history. Even 400 miles away in enemy territory, I was mentally tipping my cap to him by the time he crossed home plate.
Oakland won the next year!
thanks for sharing 👍
Give Tom Lasorda credit for "rolling the dice" and going with his gut knowing even a banged up Gibson was their only shot vs Eckersley. Lasorda is a Hall of Famer for several reasons - a great evaluator of talent, a master motivator, but mostly for being a brilliant in-game manager as he showed here in Game 1 of the WS.
yes indeed and also because of his loyalty 2 his Dodgers even if they had a bad season he stayed, he truly bled Dodger blue.
@@bizzy24100 Absolutely. Through and through. When he was a coach, he refused several offers for managerial positions with the hope of someday becoming manager of the Dodgers when Alston retired. And his loyalty -- and talent -- paid off.
I was at Dodger Stadium when Kirk Gibson hit that Home Run. It was an electric moment. No one wanted to leave for almost an hour. You could feel the electricity in the air long after the moment.
Incredible
Gibson was on the bench for all 53 outs of the game. He only batted once, and he didn’t touch a baseball all day, yet he was the player of the game. I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it (he definitely did), but that’s kinda neat, I thought.
I see you use the word.that's kind of neat. Who says neat anymore. I still do. I like your post. Well done.
This is my earliest Dodger memory. Watched this game when I was 6 years old. Still gives me goosebumps.
Man, back when the organ played for a walk-off, instead of having a DJ play cheap music.
no doubt. the music is corny lol. Give me the organ, the dude with the white fedora and radar gun behind home plate and the crazy dude with the colored afro holding the john 3:16 sign! lol ...can't forget Vin and Joe.
Nancy Bea hammering out the right tune at the stadium is greatly missed , as well as Helen Dell before she.
Agreed. I love that classic organ sound for sports. My favorite was always Chicago Stadium. Saw quite a few Blackhawk vs Red Wings games there back in the late 80's and early 90's. That organ was INSANE!! It was a Barton organ and had 3,663-pipes and the world's largest theater organ console with 6 keyboards and over 800 stops. When that thing played, you literally felt the reverberations in your chest. Was really sad to see that stadium retired.
Get over it, its 2016 not 1916
His name is Mike Brito. He was and I still believe a scout for the Dodgers. He was responsible for the discovering and signing of Fernando Valenzuela, and was responsible for the signing of Yaseal Puig.
I was at at an appliance store, Circuit City in Santa Ana, CA buying my first CD player. The store had tens of TVs on and a huge crowd accumulated to watch the World Series. They even had chairs for customers to sit in. The salesman and I just stood there and watched Kirk Gibson's homer in bewilderment. No, not because of Kirk's homer, everybody went bonkers, you couldn't see a TV without someone blocking your vision, screaming, yelling, jumping and hugging and slapping high fives. It was really cool. The salesman said a few weeks later, they had a record month selling TVs.
Anyone here in 2024 after Freddie’s grand slam? AMAZING!
Came straight here and sent the links to my dad who I watched this live with and to my son who I’ve made watch it before on several occasions throughout his baseball career.
Vin effing Scully!
Amazing call.
Gibby meet Freddie..
This was one of Vin Scullys best calls. Just the way he uses the metaphor and making you feel the magic. Before it was gonna happen. Every Dodger fan that year knew it was gonna be a homerun as soon as Vin said and he walked him. And look who's coming up. We all felt it coming. The entire season was this way.
No such thing as disengagement back then.
This stands alone as the single greatest example of "clutch" in sports history. It is also the most improbable, most unbelievable, most epic moment in the history of sports!! Watching this happen live, in real time, was the greatest thing I have ever seen as a fan!!
Gibson could barely walk, but he knew, thanks to Dodgers head scout Mel Didier, that Eckersley would, if he had a full count on a left handed hitter, be absolutely counted on to throw a backdoor slider, & he did just that. Still gives me chills all these years later!!
@Paul Whitcomb that was also an amazing WS moment to be sure. I think Gibson's was more incredible because he could barely walk, it was his only at bat in the Series, and it completely deflated the heavily favored A's while reminding the Dodgers that they were a team of destiny! Gibson was the catalyst for that entire magical season the Dodgers had that year.
@Paul Whitcomb I couldn't find an answer specifically on The World Series, however, the team that wins the first game of a best of 7 series goes on to win that series 76.4% of the time.
Specifically in WS play, teams that lost the first 2 games have only come back to win 14x vs. 74 loses.
And only the 1979 Pirates won after falling behind 3-0.
@Paul Whitcomb it's truly remarkable that he was strong enough to muscle that out with just his arms.
These are the moments we watch sports for years and years for just to get this moment or one like it.
So glad this part of the story has been shared.... scouts toil in anonymity..Gibson listened, remembered and gave credit.
I saw an interview with Gibson and Eckersley talking about that game, and it was great to hear how proud Eckersley was of that moment. Even though he gave up the home run, he was just honoured to be part of something so amazing.
The unbelievable joy on Tommy Lasorda's face is the part I'll never forget from this moment. The man was smiling from ear to ear. I remember seeing an interview with one of the players years later saying he was crying for what seemed like forever he was so happy.
RIP Mr. Vin Scully! One of the greatest voices from my teenage years and onward! What a wonderful part he played in so many important games!
The BEST call by legendary Vin Scully, who is retiring this year after 67 years broadcasting the Dodgers, in Brooklyn and in Los Angeles!!!!!! WHAT A LEGEND!!!
Man the person who got that ball money time this is on of the best world series moments
I NEVER get tired of seeing this! Not only is this amazing, it really shows the skill and mastery of Vin Scully! At 12:04 when he announces "She is gone!", he doesn't say another word for another minute and 8 seconds!
That's a dramatic pause that has NEVER been displayed on television or radio, EVER!
A magical moment in sports history. I'm glad to have witnessed it from TV as a kid. For those who were at Dodger stadium when it happened, what a memory to keep.
One of the greatest at bats in MLB history. Listening to Scully is a bonus.
36 years ago and... This is easily the greatest Dodgers memory of my lifetime. I watched it at home, and leaped out of my easy chair So High, I jammed my knuckles into the cottage cheese coating on the ceiling leaving 8 finger marks scratched into it as a monumental reminder of the most thrilling at bat in Dodger history.
I miss Vin Scully. the greatest announcer, EVER!
schmaltzy overly sentimental bore.
@@matthewburris769 my God but aren't you the hater. Trying to bring everyone down that's up in every comment you make.
I miss him too! I’ve been a Dodger fan since I was 13
@@matthewburris769 are you a Twitter bot?
Yes Gregg he was the GOAT. Baseball fans (not just Dodger fans) will always remember Vin. 😥
Certainly one of the most iconic sports moments of all time. Listen to that crowd.. Back when people still really cared about stuff...
RIP to Dodger legend Vin Scully.
I was 11 years old living in Hawthorne CA, I understood how amazing this was back then. I'll never forget it.
I was living in Redondo Beach at this time. My mother and I were Giants fans. My younger brother Jeff and his friend would go down in Chevize Ravine and and catch the Giants. My brothers friend asked Bobby Bonds to get an autograph and he signed the bottom of a paper cup that my friend and said you gotta kidding me. He singed it and shook my friends hand. Those were the days.
What a game that was!
The sound of the crowd is incredible!
40,000+ people all screaming with surprise and joy at the same instant! That's a sound like no other!
I was in jail. It made me cry then and it makes me cry now. Scully
The greatest theater of any baseball game I ever saw, the greatest home run I ever saw. He changed their lives, per Hershiser.💙
“In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened".
What an at bat. What a game. What a season. What a call.
Watched this Live when it Happened and Watched This Video Over and Over Again Through The Years Same Response Amazing,Unbelievable
As a fan I really enjoyed this moment. At a young age I moved, from Detroit, to a small town in Kansas. But I remained a devout Detroit fan and Gibson, not only being from Michigan, was a beloved Tiger. I still followed Gibby even when he went to the Dodgers. Also my small home town, in Kansas, was the home town of Bill Russell the long time shortstop of the Dodgers.