The most memorable moments for each team in MLB history
By David Hill
Atlanta Braves – Hank Aaron hits 715
Babe Ruth’s home run record was once thought to be unbreakable. That is, until a kid from Mobile, Alabama came to the majors and just kept hitting homers. He had 713 homers at the end of the 1973 season, putting him on the cusp of history. He received racist letters and death threats throughout the chase, yet he remained undeterred. Aaron tied the record on Opening Day in 1974, and then, on April 8, belted the record setting homer against Al Downing. As Aaron circled the bases, he was congratulated by a pair of 17 year olds who ran onto the field, celebrating as he broke one of the untouchable records in MLB history.
Miami Marlins – Jose Fernandez passes away in boat accident
Jose Fernandez was supposed to be the ace for the Miami Marlins, the hometown kid that the franchise would build around. He was on the verge of stardom when tragedy struck in the early morning on September 25, 2016. The boat Fernandez and two friends were on crashed into a rock jetty at 65 MPH, killing all three in a pre-dawn accident. It may be fair to say that the Marlins have not recovered from Fernandez’s loss as they have reached the postseason just once in the following years.
New York Mets – Mookie Wilson’s ground ball
It was over – the Red Sox had a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the tenth and were ready to end the Curse of the Bambino. Then it all fell apart. Calvin Schiraldi could not find the zone, wild pitches ensued, and the Mets tied the game. Then Mookie Wilson hit a slow grounder to first that should have allowed the Red Sox to escape. Instead, the ball slipped through Bill Buckner’s legs, allowing Ray Knight to score the winning run. The Mets would take Game Seven, winning their second championship and extending the Curse of the Bambino for another year.
Philadelphia Phillies – Ya gotta believe!
The Philadelphia Phillies entered the 1980 season as the only one of the original 16 MLB teams not to win a World Series. They have only captured two NL pennants, with the last one coming in 1950. That all changed in 1980 as a star studded cast rallied together, surprising the NL West winning Astros in the NLCS. The Royals, then a juggernaut in the AL, were their World Series opponent, and despite the series being tied at two games apiece, the Phillies refused to give in. Facing elimination, the Royals loaded the bases in the top of the ninth with one out, with Frank White popping up foul. Pete Rose was right there when the ball tipped off of Bob Boone’s glove, snaring the pop for the second out. Willie Wilson’s strikeout ended the threat, and for the first time in franchise history, the Phillies were champions.
Washington Nationals – Max Scherzer strikes out 20 batters
Only three pitchers in MLB history had struck out 20 batters heading into Max Scherzer’s outing on May 11, 2016. It seemed as though it would stay that way in the ninth, as Scherzer entered the inning with 18 strikeouts. A leadoff homer from J.D. Martinez cut the Nationals lead to one, and after Victor Martinez singled, it would have been understandable if Scherzer’s night was over. Instead, he found another gear, striking out Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton for the first two outs of the inning. James McCann grounded out to end the game, with Scherzer cementing his place in history.