It’s been 35 years since Dodgers outfielder Kirk Gibson hit one of the most exhilarating home runs in the World Series and baseball history. After defeating the New York Mets during the 1988 NLCS in seven games, the Dodgers would advance to their first World Series since 1981. Los Angeles would face the Oakland Athletics, who held the best record in the majors at 104-58. Oakland had a team stockpiled with talent. The A’s had the likes of sluggers like Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire. They even had a 20-win pitcher in Dave Stewart, a Dodger from 1978-1983.
Finally, Oakland had future Hall of Fame closer in Dennis Eckersley, who led the AL with 45 saves during the 1988 season. Although the odds were stacked against them, the Dodgers still found a way to win it all. Partly due to Gibson saving the team in game one, the Dodgers would rally to win the 1988 World Series in five games. Thirty-five years later, we remember and look back at Gibson’s heroic homer and how it has changed baseball.
Gibson’s Injuries During NLCS
During the 1988 NLCS against the New York Mets, 1988 MVP Kirk Gibson saved the team numerous times. In game three, he made an improbable catch on wet grass. While in the next two games, Kirk hit two game-changing home runs. Gibson strained his left hamstring during game five when he tried to steal second base. A few plays later, during game seven, Gibson’s knee started to swell up after he slid into second base. Los Angeles shut New York down in game seven with a 6-0 win to advance to the 1988 World Series. Now having injured both of his legs, Kirk Gibson was not expected to play during the World Series.
Setting Up Kirk Gibson’s Legendary 1988 World Series Shot
It’s game one of the 1988 World Series. The Dodgers had home-field advantage, and they trailed 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers outfielder and pinch hitter Mike Davis was walked by A’s closer Dennis Eckersley. After Davis, the next batter due was out of the pitcher’s spot. Eckersley knew that if Davis got on base, the Dodgers would use another pinch hitter. That’s precisely what happened. Los Angeles’ manager Tommy Lasorda unexpectedly inserted an injured Gibson into the lineup as a pinch hitter. Kirk Gibson began to hobble to the plate.
The Home Run to Remember
After fouling off the first two pitches, Gibson was quickly behind in the count 0-2. Next, he laid off two outside pitches to even the count at two a piece. On the seventh pitch of the at-bat, Eckersley threw a ball, making it a full count at 3-2. Mike Davis stole second base in the process. On the next pitch, Eckersley threw a backdoor slider, which Gibson knew the entire time that’s what Dennis would be throwing. With an awkward swing and solely using his upper body strength, Gibson would rip the ball over the right field fence.
Kirk would hobble around the bases and pump his right fist as all his teammates stormed out onto the field. Kirk Gibson’s thrilling walk-off home run gave Los Angeles a 5-4 game-one win. This home run was Gibson’s only plate appearance during the 1988 World Series. Eventually, the Dodgers would win this series in five games to become champions for the first time since 1981.
Main Photo Credits: Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
