Update: Remembering the Most Unusual Inning in Baseball History, 41 Years Later…read more
Forty-one years ago today, a baseball fan witnessed what remains one of the most bizarre and unforgettable innings ever seen in the sport. During an extra-inning showdown, a series of unlikely events unfolded that would etch the moment into baseball history.
In the 10th inning, with the game tied and the lineup shuffled into a makeshift arrangement, the Baltimore Orioles found themselves with Lenn Sakata, typically an infielder, behind the plate as the catcher, Gary Roenicke at third base, and John Lowenstein covering second. As the Toronto Blue Jays looked to capitalize, Orioles pitcher Tippy Martinez delivered a performance for the ages, picking off not one, but three Blue Jays runners, an almost unheard-of feat in any inning, let alone one as crucial as this.
The drama didn’t end there. Trailing by a run in the bottom of the 10th, the Orioles turned to their bats. On his 23rd birthday, the young and already iconic Cal Ripken Jr. stepped up, delivering a game-tying home run that electrified the crowd. Then, fittingly, it was Lenn Sakata, the makeshift catcher, who provided the final blow with a walk-off home run, sealing a victory that was as improbable as it was thrilling.
To this day, the call of this inning by WFBR’s Tom Marr sends chills down the spine of those who remember it. This remarkable moment in baseball history continues to be celebrated by fans, a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that makes the sport so beloved.
For those who have never heard the call, or for those who want to relive the excitement, it is an experience worth hearing. Listen and enjoy as the memories of this incredible inning come rushing back.
