What is THE baseball highlight?

Wallball Tingle

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Mays catch? Larsen perfecto? Mazeroski homer? Gibson homer? Fisk waves it fair? Roberts steals it? Do we need an offensive category, an infield defense category, and an outfield defense category? I'd create a poll but this seems too widely open to interpretation.

I'd go with the Mays catch. I've watched it a few times just now and I still can't believe how fast he got back there or how he reared back his head while running or how quickly he got the ball back to the infield.

 

moondog80

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Hank Aaron's HR? Bobby Thompson's HR? I feel like Joe Carter's HR should be on the list too, but that doesn't seem to get a much play as it should.

Oh, and the Roberts steal was only the 3rd biggest play of that half-inning.
 

InstaFace

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Most iconic baseball play of all time, most-permanently ingrained in the heads of the greatest fraction of fans and/or the general populace?

1. Fisk HR
2. Bobby Thomson HR
3. Mazeroski HR

There's just no comparison for a game-winning walk-off HR. Fisk wins for the theatrics, Thomson places for the radio call, Mazeroski shows for the drama and importance. Of course, there's only been one title-winning walk-off HR in a game 7, but sheer fame of a moment is more whimsical than just that.
 
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B H Kim

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Most iconic baseball play of all time, most-permanently ingrained in the heads of the greatest fraction of fans and/or the general populace?

1. Fisk HR
2. Bobby Thompson HR
3. Mazeroski HR

There's just no comparison for a game-winning walk-off HR. Fisk wins for the theatrics, Thompson places for the radio call, Mazeroski shows for the drama and importance. Of course, there's only been one title-winning walk-off HR in a game 7, but sheer fame of a moment is more whimsical than just that.
I think the Gibson home run is actually better than Fisk’s for theatrics, better than Thompson's for the call, and better than Mazeroski’s for the drama.
 

djbayko

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Most iconic baseball play of all time, most-permanently ingrained in the heads of the greatest fraction of fans and/or the general populace?

1. Fisk HR
2. Bobby Thompson HR
3. Mazeroski HR

There's just no comparison for a game-winning walk-off HR. Fisk wins for the theatrics, Thompson places for the radio call, Mazeroski shows for the drama and importance. Of course, there's only been one title-winning walk-off HR in a game 7, but sheer fame of a moment is more whimsical than just that.
This part got me thinking....

I get the sense that this thread is intended to promote plays that balance stakes, notoriety and also represent how we wish the game to be remembered. However, if we strictly measure highlights by what % of or how many people have them emblazoned in their memories, then there are probably a bunch of infamous and oddball highlights which should be nominated, simply because they transcended the sport for whatever reason and caught the attention of even non-baseball fans. Examples:
  • Pine tar incident
  • Ventura charging Ryan
  • Randy Johnson's exploding dove
  • Jim Joyce's missed call on Galarragas perfect game bid
  • Bartman
  • Buckner
I'm not suggesting any of these plays should win the thread. But which highlights are most well-known in the world - regardless of reason why - is an interesting side question IMO.
 
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DJnVa

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Hank Aaron's HR? Bobby Thompson's HR? I feel like Joe Carter's HR should be on the list too, but that doesn't seem to get a much play as it.
If this comes off argumentative that is NOT how I intend it—but to me, the very fact that Carter’s HR *doesn’t* get as much play means it clearly should not be on list.
 

luckiestman

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I think there are 4 categories combinations of offense/defense, highlights/lowlights


The first two for defense I think of are Jeter flip and Buckner.

Offense is harder.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Does it have to be an actual play? Pedro and Zimmer. The slap.

Do stolen bases count? That's an actual play and I guess would fall under offense.
 

jercra

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For pure awesomeness on D I'd add Bo Jackson running up the wall and of course Manny's high-five DP.


Manny would probably make the list for most of the top defensive lowlights as well.
 

charlieoscar

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Bobby Thompson's HR?
Wasn't there something about the Giants stealing signs during that series, like a telescope set up in center field in the Polo Grounds that focused on the catcher with the observer using a buzzer system to relay the information to the bullpen whose members used body language to tip off the batter? Thompson, when asked if he knew what pitch to expect on the home run, first said, “I’d have to say no more than yes.” He later said when pressed further, “I don’t like to think of something taking away from [it].” He added, “It would take a little away from me in my mind if I felt I got help on that pitch. My answer is no. I was always proud of that swing.” Thompson later acknowledged that he did receive stolen signs earlier in that game.

There is no direct evidence concerning that home run but lack of direct evidence hasn't stopped others from taking sides.
 

ThePrideofShiner

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It's Bobby Thomson. And there was a book about the cheating called The Echoing Green.

For offense I'd say either Thomson's or Gibson's.
 

Ramon AC

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What?
I think it's the Giants win the pennant. Two NY teams in the peak of postwar ebullience, no doubt it's the "biggest" play in baseball history.

But guys it's Thomson, no p.

Edit: beat by Shiner.
 

EvilEmpire

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I agree with the Gibson HR for offensive highlight. For defensive lowlight, I'm kind of partial to the HR off Canseco's melon even though it wasn't tied to a special game or situation.
 

Twilight

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Ruth's "called" shot in the '32 Series? It was a long time ago, but it certainly was (or became) iconic.

And if we do consider moments that weren't actual plays, Gehrig's farewell speech is hard to top.
 

luckysox

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When I first read the question, I made myself simply think of all the iconic moments that I could remember; first on the list was the Mays catch. So I think I'd go with that; that catch, to me, is baseball.
 

Twilight

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I have a hard time arguing with Mays' catch, but there are so many worth remembering. Just taking one player:
  • Ted's 521st
  • Ted's walkoff in the '41 All Star game
  • Ted's eephus HR in the '46 All Star game
  • Ted's appearance at the '99 All Star game
 

jon abbey

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There are obviously so many, but one that immediately came to mind for me was Albert Pujols putting a ball into orbit off Brad Lidge to win game 5 of the 2005 NLCS. He hit it so far that on the flight after the game to STL, Brad Ausmus (HOU's catcher) evidently got the pilot to get on the intercom and announce "If you look to the left, you can see Albert Pujols' home run ball." to try to lighten the mood. HOU won the next game and went to the WS, but still, something about the raw power here, other worldly.

 

brandonchristensen

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Am I an idiot for not thinking Mays’ catch is that great anymore?

Some of the shit that JBJ does every week seem harder than that.
 

lars10

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I know this isn't the biggest..but my Detroit Tiger friend had been relentless all game until this... he was amazed by my restraint. I told him all game.. I don't talk smack because I know how it feels to have it all turn around.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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When I first read the question, I made myself simply think of all the iconic moments that I could remember; first on the list was the Mays catch. So I think I'd go with that; that catch, to me, is baseball.
Same. Exactly the same experience. It’s only when I start analyzing that I start to come up with other contenders or considerations. But the unvarnished visceral response is that catch.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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Am I an idiot for not thinking Mays’ catch is that great anymore?

Some of the shit that JBJ does every week seem harder than that.
To make that play in the massive polo grounds centerfield is part of the story, but also it was the World Series and preserved the tie both by being an out and because even with the distance and running the other way Mays got the ball back in and kept the runner at second from taking two bases, and setting up the Giants for the win.

In terms of diving catches, Edmonds is probably the best ever but when you take into account that Mays was trying to play shallow to try to keep a runner at second from scoring the go ahead run in a very crazy and massive outfield in the World Series, it’s a heck of a play.
 

Wallball Tingle

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To make that play in the massive polo grounds centerfield is part of the story, but also it was the World Series and preserved the tie both by being an out and because even with the distance and running the other way Mays got the ball back in and kept the runner at second from taking two bases, and setting up the Giants for the win.

In terms of diving catches, Edmonds is probably the best ever but when you take into account that Mays was trying to play shallow to try to keep a runner at second from scoring the go ahead run in a very crazy and massive outfield in the World Series, it’s a heck of a play.
This is pretty much exactly what I was going to say, so thanks. The ball was hit 420-ish feet, huge field. And the throw was good as well as quick.

Endy Chavez 2006 NLCS was amazing but not nearly as iconic.

 

charlieoscar

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I have a hard time arguing with Mays' catch, but there are so many worth remembering. Just taking one player: [TSW}
I was going to post something along those lines, and you could include a home run on his last at bat the first time he announced his retirement, the home run on his last at bat for heading off to Korea, and his 16 (or 17 times) reaching base consecutively against the Yankees in 1957 (I think that was the year, that included home runs in four consecutive at bats (not plate appearances).
 

Grimace-HS

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Based on moments I’ve seen, one that always stands out is Dave Henderson’s game 5 homerun in the ‘86 ALCS. From the moment of saving the season to his leaping/twisting reaction hitting first base....this has to be on the list somewhere.
 

Spelunker

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I think this Jim Edmonds catch, in particular, is better than the Mays catch.

I the Edmonds catch was better than Mays', but the catch was only half of what made Willie's play great.

Edit: beaten, better, by DDB.
 

JoePoulson

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There are obviously so many, but one that immediately came to mind for me was Albert Pujols putting a ball into orbit off Brad Lidge to win game 5 of the 2005 NLCS. He hit it so far that on the flight after the game to STL, Brad Ausmus (HOU's catcher) evidently got the pilot to get on the intercom and announce "If you look to the left, you can see Albert Pujols' home run ball." to try to lighten the mood. HOU won the next game and went to the WS, but still, something about the raw power here, other worldly.
I still can't believe HOU came back to win that series. At the time I thought that was the most devastating and demoralizing homer I'd ever seen, and figured no way in hell any team could come back from that. I know baseball isn't exactly the same as other sports but still, major props to the Astros for brushing off that game.
 

brandonchristensen

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To make that play in the massive polo grounds centerfield is part of the story, but also it was the World Series and preserved the tie both by being an out and because even with the distance and running the other way Mays got the ball back in and kept the runner at second from taking two bases, and setting up the Giants for the win.

In terms of diving catches, Edmonds is probably the best ever but when you take into account that Mays was trying to play shallow to try to keep a runner at second from scoring the go ahead run in a very crazy and massive outfield in the World Series, it’s a heck of a play.
Thanks for the breakdown, it's hard to see it from the video where he was playing and the distance covered (we are so spoiled now).

It's just kind of become synonymous for 'greatest catch ever', and there are many (like that Edmond's catch which is the Mays catch on acid).

I don't know.
 

Al Zarilla

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Am I an idiot for not thinking Mays’ catch is that great anymore?

Some of the shit that JBJ does every week seem harder than that.
Mays was probably faster than JBJ, enough so that for a long, long run and catch like Willie’s, JBJ might not have gotten to the ball. Similar thing with the Edmonds catch. Maybe reverse discrimination, but Edmonds wasn’t that fast, was he? Sorry about the Joe Morgan logic.
 

brandonchristensen

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Mays was probably faster than JBJ, enough so that for a long, long run and catch like Willie’s, JBJ might not have gotten to the ball. Similar thing with the Edmonds catch. Maybe reverse discrimination, but Edmonds wasn’t that fast, was he? Sorry about the Joe Morgan logic.
Edmonds was generally considered the best or one of while he played.

Was Mays that fast compared to JBJ? WE NEED FOX OVERLAYS!
 

Al Zarilla

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Edmonds was generally considered the best or one of while he played.

Was Mays that fast compared to JBJ? WE NEED FOX OVERLAYS!
Mays in his prime led the league in steals four years in a row. Of course, you can't equate stolen bases to raw speed, but Mays was most likely faster than JBJ. Edmonds might have been great, but he seemed to have a flair for making catches look harder than they were.
 

sheamonu

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Gehrig's farewell is there if you accept non-game related moments, then Thompson, Fisk, Gibson, Maz, and, to fill out the top five if Gehrig doesn't count is Castig's call of the final out, 2004 (I refuse to give that to Buck). Although I do have a soft spot for the " David Ortiz!, David Ortiz!, David Ortiz!" call.
 

Leskanic's Thread

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I think the most likely answers to the question have been posted (Mays, Fisk, Thomson, Gibson, and Gehrig would be my top five). But to throw another contender out there, I will say Jackie Robinson stealing home in the '55 World Series. Another iconic battle between New York teams, the series where the underdog finally wins it, the play is by arguably the most important/influential player in the history of the game (it's him vs. Babe), and another super famous player, Yogi Berra, is mad forever after the play.

I do think that if there was clearer footage of Ruth calling his shot, that would take the prize.
 

charlieoscar

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ackie Robinson stealing home in the '55 World Series
Yeah and they lost that game, the next game and the World Series. The biggest thing about the play was whether he was actually safe or out.

If you want an iconic play, how about the bottom of the 10th in game 6, two out and the score tied with the Red Sox leading the series 3 games to 2 when Buckner forgot to handle the ball in 1986? Or perhaps even more so, Enos Slaughter scoring from first base in game 7 to finish off the 1946 World Series that the Red Sox had been up in 3 games to 2? Bill Mazeroski-- 2-out home run in the bottom of the 9th in game 7, 1960 to give the Pirates a 10-9 win over the Yankees in a series where the Pirates managed to lose games 16-3, 12-0, and 10-0?
 

Myt1

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Mays in his prime led the league in steals four years in a row. Of course, you can't equate stolen bases to raw speed, but Mays was most likely faster than JBJ. Edmonds might have been great, but he seemed to have a flair for making catches look harder than they were.
Truer words were never written.
 

ledsox

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Yeah and they lost that game, the next game and the World Series. The biggest thing about the play was whether he was actually safe or out.
It was 1955, game 1. The Dodgers did lose that game but won the series in 7. Their first title.
 

Max Power

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I feel like this depends entirely on your age. For a Gen X guy like me, it's Gibson far and away as number one. It had the drama of the injury, the great call by Scully, the insane crowd reaction, and the reactions of both Eck and Gibson. If you were a little bit older, it's probably Fisk. Older than that, Thompson, Mays, or Mazeroski.

I'm not sure what a younger fan would point to. Maybe McGwire's 62nd? Or that time Jeremy Giambi forgot to slide into home during a playoff game?
 

LoweTek

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I feel like this depends entirely on your age. For a Gen X guy like me, it's Gibson far and away as number one. It had the drama of the injury, the great call by Scully, the insane crowd reaction, and the reactions of both Eck and Gibson. If you were a little bit older, it's probably Fisk. Older than that, Thompson, Mays, or Mazeroski.
The famous call of the Gibson HR ("I can't believe what I just saw!") was Joe Buck, not Scully.