The most memorable moments for each team in MLB history
By David Hill
Every Major League Baseball team has at least one moment that stands out above the rest. Whether positive or negative, there are those moments that every MLB fan remembers whenever a team is mentioned.
But which moments stand the test of time? Which moments are truly ingrained in the memories of MLB fans when a specific team is mentioned? Let’s take a look at the most memorable moments in each team’s history.
The most memorable moments for every MLB team
Baltimore Orioles – Cal Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig’s record
No one thought anything of it when Cal Ripken set foot on the diamond on May 30, 1982. That would be the last game he would miss until September 20, 1998 when Ryan Minor became an answer to a trivia question. When Ripken broke Gehrig’s consecutive game streak on September 6, 1995, the sport was still reeling from the strike and canceled World Series. Ripken, and his run to history, may well have been the first step towards saving the game.
Boston Red Sox – Selling Babe Ruth
The Boston Red Sox were one of the best teams in MLB over their first two decades of existence while the Yankees never reached the postseason. Then Harry Frazee took over, desperately needed money and sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees for $100,000 and a $300,000 loan. That move changed the fortunes of both franchises as the Yankees quickly became a dynasty and the Red Sox would not win another championship until 2004 as the Curse of the Bambino took on a life of its own.
New York Yankees – Lou Gehrig’s speech
One could have understood if Lou Gehrig felt bitterness as he was betrayed by his body. The Iron Horse had broken down, ravaged by the incurable disease that would come to bear his name. Instead, on July 4, 1939, Gehrig gave what has come to be known as MLB’s Gettysburg Address, a moment that will forever live on as one of the most remembered moments in the history of the game.
Tampa Bay Rays – Game 162
The Rays were dead in the water. Trailing the Yankees 7-0 and with the Red Sox ahead of the Orioles, the 2011 season was over. Instead, the Rays fought back, with Evan Longoria’s three run blast bringing Tampa Bay within a run. Then, with the Rays down to their last strike, Dan Johnson, who was hitting .108 at the time, belted a game tying homer. Longoria’s game winning shot almost felt anti-climatic at that point, and when the Red Sox lost, the Rays found themselves back in the postseason with the type of game that will live on forever.
Toronto Blue Jays – Joe Carter walks off the World Series
The Toronto Blue Jays were already the first team outside the United States to win the World Series and were looking for a repeat in 1993. They appeared to have that second title in hand as they led 5-1 heading into the seventh inning of Game Six, only to see the Phillies put up five runs to take the lead. That just set outfielder Joe Carter up for one of the greatest moments in World Series history as he took closer Mitch Williams’ 2-2 pitch deep for a walk-off three run homer. As announcer Tom Cheek said at the time: “Touch ‘em all Joe, you’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life.”