On October 3rd 1951 New York Giant baseball player Bobby Thomson hit a Home Run which is called “The Shot Heard ‘Round The World” to win the National League pennant against the Giants bitter rival Brooklyn Dodgers.
Giant radio announcer Russ Hodges described The Shot in what is considered one of the best, if not the best, calls in sports history as follows: Listen to it by clicking here
Many years later I had the opportunity to sit next to the famous Bobby Thomson (pictured) and I asked him about the oft rumored allegation that the Giants had someone looking through binoculars at the Dodger catcher’s pitch sign and then clued Thomson in as to what pitch was coming. I asked him “Did you know what was coming?” I can’t remember his response, but I do know he didn’t say yes.
History has a way of repeating itself and, in light of today’s Baseball World earth shaking Astros sign stealing scandal which has resulted in the firing of Astros Manager A.J. Hinch and Red Sox Manager Alex Cora and resignation of new Mets Manager Carlos Beltran I’d sure like to ask Astro Jose Altuve if he knew what was coming when he clubbed his walk off homer in the Playoffs last Fall against my Yankees!
P.S. Yankee pitcher Aroldis Chapman’s strange smirk, post walk off pitch to Altuve, sure takes on new meaning in light of the scandal revelations!