SS
AN INJURED GIBBY TELLS LASORDA that he thinks he can try batting in the 9th inning...so lasorda puts him in to pinch-hit , and he hobbles up to the plate
"Kirk Gibson's 1988 World Series home run occurred in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, on October 15, 1988, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Gibson, pinch hitting for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the bottom of the ninth inning, with injuries to both legs, hit a two-run walk-off home run off the Oakland Athletics' Dennis Eckersley that won Game 1 for the Dodgers by a score of 5–4.
After winning the National League West division, the Dodgers were considered the underdogs throughout the 1988 postseason, first to the New York Mets in the NLCS,
then to the A's in the World Series. Gibson, who was not expected to
play due to injuries in both legs sustained during the NLCS, was
surprisingly inserted as a pinch hitter with the Dodgers trailing 4–3 with two outs and the tying run at first base in the bottom of the ninth inning. Gibson's home run—his only plate appearance of the series—helped the Dodgers defeat the A's, 4 games to 1, securing their sixth World Series title.
The play has since become legendary in the baseball world, and is regarded as one of the greatest home runs of all time.[1] It was voted the "greatest moment in L.A. sports history" in a 1995 poll.[2]
Many of the images associated with the home run, particularly Gibson
pumping his fist while circling the bases, are often shown in classic
highlight reels, usually accompanied by Vin Scully or Jack Buck's call. Though not related to his World Series home run, Gibson would be named the 1988 NL MVP. He was named to 2 All-Star teams (1985 AL & 1988 NL), but declined both invitations..."
confident, sometimes even cocky, Eckersley, stares down Gibson,
legendary coach, Tommy Lasorda, looks on
Gibby takes a few balls & a few strikes
TEAMMATE MIKE SCIOSCIA
WATCHES GIBBY AT BAT
then...
...he gets a good LOOK, TAKES A MIGHTY SWING, and unlike Casey, he does NOT strike out...
he makes contact...Eckersley stares overhead like he's watching an airplane take-off
GIBBY knows it is GONE , and ain't coming back !
gibby slowly hobbles around the bases
the dodger home crowd goes crazy
his teammates go crazy
gibby seems to take an eternity getting around th bases
taking time to slap every hand
...and gets MOBBED at home...thankfully they didn't break his leg. .
lasorda congratulates the great gibby
scioscia & orel hershiser
